In a Field of Snow

Duchess, a brown chestnut Tennessee Walker with a long flowing ebony mane, frolicked non-stop along the fenced pasture bordering the corn field. She had the whole eighty acres to herself, kicking up her heels as if she was still a yearling. Fall was nearing its peak and winter was just around the corner; for Duchess, it was just another wonderful season like spring or summer. The dark gray skies indicated a storm was approaching and with the nights changing temperatures, a dusting was evident. Dusk slithered in with the north wind, suddenly- whirling fallen leaves and whipping cold- needle- like rain pierced her huge brown eyes. Duchess bolts – and like the wind, wheels her slender muscular body in a joyous dance. Hoofs thunder intensely on hardened cold soil, uprooting clumps of grass, sending them flying along with her splaying tail. Oxygen saturated nostrils swell as she canters poetically in a field of crystals. The snow now picks up pace as does her slow stride; turning into a gallop. Steam pours from swollen lungs through her soft muzzle, she feels alive but exhausted from the sudden burst. She gazes across the open field and watches the tiny crystals collect on evergreen along the hillside, gradually transforming into puffy white flakes. She knows winter is here. Copyright © 2010 By Caryl S. Muzzey Second Place Winner ~ "Horses or Snowflakes or Horses and Snowflakes” Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Constance~A Rambling Poet~ Nov. 8, 2010